OFFICIAL RELEASE:A fleet of 11 boats are expected to be in the pits for the San Diego Bayfair powered by the Union Tribune ABRA unlimited hydroplane race September 19, 20 and 21.

The 11 boats in San Diego will be the largest fleet to race on the national circuit outside the northwest region of the United States.

"We are excited that San Diego has been able to put together the sponsorship and planning to have our teams ready for this event," said ABRA Chairman Sam Cole. "San Diego is a very important site on our national circuit and the planning and work by Thunderboats Unlimited of San Diego has been outstanding.

"Race Marketing Partners (working with Thunderboats Unlimited) found a perfect match of sponsors with The San Diego Union Tribune and their other major corporate partner The Boeing Company."

San Diego has been host to Unlimited Hydroplane Racing since 1964 and the 2 ½ mile Mission Bay race course is the fastest course on the circuit. Both Bayfair's Thunderboats Unlimited Club and The San Diego Union Tribune have a long history of community support. This will be the 42nd running of the unlimited race in San Diego. This year's race will take place September 19 thru 21. For ticket and more information www.sandiegobayfair.org or call 206-321-3383.

What an eventful week. The 2008 Summer Nationals being awarded to the Seattle Inboard Racing Association’s Chelan race on September 27-28. ULHRA and APBA joining forces for what should become a wild blower boat show.

The Hopp Racing team is now putting in an all out blitz to get Bob Schellhase’s UL/GP-12 returned to running condition for the GP Summer Nationals at Chelan in a month. Bob’s boat was damaged in a blow over accident at Port Angeles last year. We also have started work on the first twin carb gasoline blower motor to be run in an Unlimited Light.

Glen Davis donated a new 6/71 supercharger to the project and Ed’s Automotive the carbs and knowledge. We were trying for a test run at the TIRA race in Spanaway on September 6-7th, but Bob’s boat project is priority 1 right now. We might try for a test run right after the end of the season.

Marty Wolfe and Dennis Johnson have indicated that they will bring the GP-93 Trafficade-Wolfe Racing Special to the GP Summer Nationals at Chelan also. The Chelan event is shaping up to be a noisy fire breathing blower boat affair. The prize money package is in place as well as heat trophies.